Presents a general framework for designing sampling programs that ensure cost effectiveness, and managed errors kept within known and acceptable limits. (LZ)

The effectiveness of an innovative outpatient drug-free treatment facility serving felony drug offenders who are placed on probation is evaluated. Treatment included educational and group therapy as well as acupuncture. Background characteristics, levels of treatment, and selected outcomes are described. Principles of successful interventions are…

Presents an empirically derived model of school district decision making during recruitment into school health research projects, illustrating how sound research practices can be enhanced by applying systematic procedures to the recruitment and retention of schools. The article discusses how successful recruitment addresses political, economic,…

An experiment accompanied by a series of writing exercises that engage students in activities that characterize scientific research is described. The exercise emphasizes experimental design and data analysis over technical manipulation. Possible issues for discussion and opportunities for collaboration and peer review are discussed. (KR)

A proposed research project is described in which two university-based researchers and four elementary school teachers will investigate problematic features of "whole language instruction" in monthly reflexive conversations. One hypothesis is that problems with whole language practice are indicative of a more broadly based cultural…

The function of self-injurious behavior (SIB) by an adult with severe mental retardation was analyzed via descriptive and experimental analysis methodologies. Results indicated that SIB occurred more often when the participant was presented with nonpreferred novel activities. Intervention resulted in the use of negation to terminate the…

A methodology is developed for producing a well-designed problem in policy analysis. This evaluative context methodology is defined as an iterative process based on a series of checklist questions. Use of the methodology is demonstrated in a policy development project in New Zealand devoted to encouraging use of the Maori language. (SLD)

Responds to Barry Hutchinson's views of Active Tutoring Work. Says Hutchinson's assumption that teachers are not policy makers is in error. Discusses problems in the teacher-researcher, action research model. Challenges the notion that Hutchinson's research impedes communication between teachers and researchers. (NL)

To develop a perspective for assessing the effectiveness of developmental education, we must develop definitions, values, and criteria that permit consistency in analyzing students' learning needs and educational outcomes and in comparing research on developmental education. Research literature shows that a lack of consistent perspectives for…

The Second International Mathematics Study tested mathematics knowledge and skills among 13-year-olds and final-year secondary students in 17 countries. Discusses population definitions; research administration; research design in relation to mathematics curricula; context variables (ethnic composition, language of instruction, tracking, rurality,…

This experimental study compared the use of Belcastro rods with the use of traditional methods in teaching addition and subtraction of whole numbers to five blind students. Results showed a significant difference favoring the use of Belcastro rods. (Contains 30 references.) (MKR)

Discusses the presence of children's voices within three types of writing on childhood, and outlines the ethics, roles, and tools employed to discover these voices. Suggests that researchers can discover a variety of children's voices by employing reflexive techniques to ensure that interpretations are not influenced by personal prejudice or the…

Contends that this article, a reflection on research as poetic rumination, is scholarly writing, though it might not look or sound like the writing that fills academic journals. Criticizes research that is "bloodless," having been written in the sterility of the monastic sanctum and the academic study. (VWC)

This article summarizes single-subject design intervention studies that include students with learning disabilities. Effect sizes of 85 studies were analyzed across instructional domains, sample characteristics, intervention parameters, and methodological procedures. Findings are supportive of the pervasive influence of cognitive strategy and…

Discusses logic and interpretation problems inherent in doing quantitative syntheses of single-case research. Addresses the meta-analytic method of using percentage of nonoverlapping data, highlighting special concerns related to withdrawal designs, sensitivity to variability in behavior, social significance of behavior change, and variables that…